Therapeutic Riding
(also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Activities,
Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled) is the use of
the horse as a therapy tool to achieve goals including cognitive, physical, emotional, social,
educational and behavioral goals.
Using
the horse as therapy goes back many centuries. Today, therapeutic
riding
is practiced in most countries in the world. In the U.S, The Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) puts forward
standards in the industry that incorporates therapy, education,
sport, and recreation/leisure activities.
The horse is an effective therapy tool, because the horse’s movement simulates a
normal human gait. This gentle rhythmic
movement helps improve balance, muscle control and tone, motor
development and coordination, balance, posture, strength and overall body
awareness. For many riders, horseback therapy is the first time in their lives that they can
experience the freedom and joy of independent movement.
